WEBVTT LIVE IN THE NEWSROOM, JULIE LONCICH, WCVB NEWSCENTER5. AN EVERETT POLICE OFFICER IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW ACCUSED OF VICIOUSLY BEATING HIS YOUNG SON. HE ALLEGEDLY WHIPPED THE BOY MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES WITH THE BELT. MARY SALADNA WAS IN THE CROP FOR COURTROOM FOR HIS ARRAIGNMENT. JERMAINE BALLARD IS OFF THE FORCE FOR NOW. HIS BIRTH MOTHER RUSHED HIM TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL AFTER HE SHOWED HER HIS INJURIES. JERMAINE BALLARD SAID NOTHING AS HE POSTED BAIL AND LEFT LYNN COURT BUT PROSECUTORS SAY THIS EVERETT POLICE OFFICER SEVERELY BEAT HIS OWN SON WITH A BELT AFTER THE 10-YEAR-OLD GOT IN TROUBLE AT SCHOOL YES. STATED HIS FATHER HAD HIM LAY DOWN ON THE BED FACE DOWN AND HE BELT HIM WITH A BELT, HITTING HIM 14 14 TIMES. STAFFERS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT THE HOSPITAL CALLED POLICE. HE HAD DEEP BRUISING AND WHO ARE STRIPS. THE 10-YEAR-OLD VICTIM IS BALLARD'S SON FROM A PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIP. HIS CURRENT WIFE AND FAMILY WERE IN COURT TO SUPPORT HIM. HIS ATTORNEY ARGUES THERE IS CASE LAW THAT ALLOWS A PARENT TO DISCIPLINE THEIR CHILD. MY CLIENT IS A VERY FOOD FAMILY MAN AND A GOOD POLICE OFFICER OVER YEARS. I WILL NOT GET INTO THE DEFENSE OF THE CASE BUT HE WILL HAVE HIS DAY IN COURT. THE JUDGE AGREED THAT BALLARD IS NOT A FLIGHT RISK. HE SET BAIL AT $1,000 WHICH HE POSTED. HE DID ORDER HIM TO STAY AWAY FROM THE BOY AND HIS MOTHER. COMING UP